Developing an Expanded Functional Classification System for More Flexibility in Geometric Design

The modern Functional Classification System (FCS) was developed in the 1970s as a basis for communication between designers and planners. It sought to establish a common framework for classifying roadways based on mobility and access. Since its inception, the application of the FCS has expanded, and is now used throughout the entire project development process and influences all transportation project development phases, from programming and planning through design and into maintenance and operation decisions. However, the focus of the FCS is narrow; as it balances only mobility and access. The limited contextual definitions (urban and rural), do not provide the dynamic range of design elements and guidance needed to balance other competing project needs. The objective of this research is to develop a flexible framework that replaces the FCS and facilitates optimal geometric design solutions that take into account context, functions, and user needs. To develop this alternative classification system, a two-phased approach was employed. The first phase involved a literature review, a survey of transportation agencies/practitioners, identification of existing alternative systems, and an evaluation of those existing alternative systems and their components. Work during this phase identified promising elements to be considered for inclusion in the proposed system. In the second phase, the proposed alternative is fully developed, its implications for design are documented, and the effects on other areas are highlighted. The research team produced a new alternative classification system to aid designers in developing contextual designs that balance a range of user’s needs.

• Record URL:
  • https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25178
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309478922
• Authors:
  • Stamatiadis, Nikiforos
  • King, Michael
  • Chellman, Rick
  • Kirk, Adam
  • Hartman, Don
  • Jasper, Jeff
  • Wright, Samantha
• Publication Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Contractor's Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 230p
• Serial:
  • NCHRP Web-Only Document
  • Issue Number: 230
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Arterial highways; Context sensitive design; Geometric design; Matrices (Mathematics); Rural highways; Streets; Suburbs; Urban highways
• Uncontrolled Terms: Collector roads; Functional classification
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01674906
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309478922
• Report/Paper Numbers: NCHRP Project 15-52
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Jul 10 2018 9:09AM